Mar 21 "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" Opening Night

"Priscilla" plays at the Palace Theatre in NYC (1564 Broadway, between 46th & 47th Street)"Priscilla Queen of the Desert" Opening Night: Photo Credit: Jim EdwardsI was fortunate enough to attend the opening night of Broadway's "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" on March 20, 2011. Not only did I get to attend the performance, but I was able to attend the after-party as well! Everyone was in attendance: The Divine Miss M herself, Bette Midler, Tovah Feldshuh (four-time Tony Award Nominee and two-time Emmy Award Winner), Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman (Tony Award Winning composers for "Hairspray", currently represented on Broadway with "Catch Me If You Can"), the legendary Joan Rivers, Barbara Walters, Guy Pearce (who played "Adam/Felicia" in the film), Christie Brinkley (who will soon be starring in "Chicago" on Broadway April 4-June 19), Charlotte Rae (from the "Facts of Life"), Audra McDonald (4 time Tony Award Winner, star of ABC's "Private Practice"), Kathleen Turner, Bravo's Andy Cohen, and comedian Bruce Vilanch (six-time Emmy Award Winner). What an evening....

"Priscilla Queen of the Desert," written by Stephan Elliott and Allan Scott and directed by Simon Phillips is based upon the 1994 cult film "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," also written by Stephan Elliot, follows three drag queens across the Australian Outback as they discover friendship and love while rocking out and dancing around to some of music's biggest hit songs from the 70s, 80s, and 90s such as "It's Raining Men," "Material Girl," "Hot Stuff," "I Will Survive," "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," "We Belong." With it's flashy costumes (stupendously made by Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner), energetic and talented cast, along with this great music, "Priscilla Queen of the Desert" is an evening of HEART-FILLED FUN!!

The cast's chemistry is terrific, playing very well off of each other. Will Swenson, Tony Sheldon, and Nick Adams who star as the three drag queens, "Tick (Mitzi)," "Bernadette," and "Adam (Felicia)" seem like they've been best friends for ages! Keala Settle who plays "Shirley" sure does pop with her scene stealing action, while C. David Johnson and Luke Mannikus (who switches off the role with Ashton Woerz) should be given such props for their portrayal of "Bob" and "Benjamin," respectively, who really show us the meaning of loving someone no matter what!

"Priscilla Queen of the Desert" is "Hot Stuff!" Just as "Priscilla" was able to "Color My World," "I Say A Little Prayer" that you and everyone you love goes to see this fun and energetic show.

The after party was held at Chelsea Piers where the fun continued! Check it out...